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Altra Shoe Review

Being an Altra Ambassador is pretty sweet.

I Was Excited For the New Kicks.

I Was Excited For the New Kicks.

Since becoming an official Ambassador at the start of 2014, I’ve been able to “meet” a ton of other Altra Aficionados via Facebook and Twitter, and am looking forward to meeting a fellow ambassador in person at the Blue Ridge Marathon at the end of the month.

While my blog history shows that I don’t need an excuse to pronounce my love for this awesome company and their kick-ass shoes, allow me to expound a little bit about the 2 pairs of shoes that I received as part of being in the Ambassador program.

Altras in General

Running in Altras, or any zero-drop shoe for that matter, takes some getting used to. If you’re new to the zero or minimal-drop shoes, progress in them slowly. Altra does a great job of educating you on the best way to make the switch to their shoes from any of the “traditional” running shoes, but I just want to re-emphasize the importance of a gradual transition. I actually changed my running stride/mechanics BEFORE changing shoes, and I still dealt with tight calves for a while after making the switch.

But it has been totally worth it.

Instinct 2.0

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Instinct 2.0

The original Instincts were my first pair of Altras, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I was choosing which shoes to get as an Ambassador, I figured I’d get the newer model of my favorites, and then try a different model with my other.

Let me just tell you, the Instinct 2.0s are not even close to the same shoe as the original.

Now, to be clear, the new model is a great shoe! It just wasn’t at all what I was expecting.

The newer model has a thicker sole and is much more cushioned than its predecessor. The toe box is especially wide (an Altra specialty), and the fit is super comfortable. There is lots of cushion available with this shoe (not just in the sole), while still being surprisingly lightweight.

The Instinct 2.0 would be a great option for your first foray into the Altra catalog. This shoe does a great job of maintaining cushion for us road runners, while still delivering the wide toe box and zero drop that I absolutely love! Click for the men’s or women’s models (women’s equivalent is the intuition).

Provision 1.5

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Provision 1.5

For my second pair of shoes, I decided to give the newer version of the Provision series a shot.

And I’m super glad that I did!

These shoes are, in my opinion at least, more like the original Instincts than the new Instincts are. Right now, the Provisions are my shoe of choice.

The Provision 1.5s have a slightly slimmer stack (sole) than the Instinct 2.0s, and I love that. It’s amazing how much of a difference 3 mm can make!

When ordering the Provision 1.5s, the Altra site suggests ordering a half size bigger than you’d normally wear. Take their advice! I didn’t, and when I got the shoe I was a little bummed. I hate being that guy that has to return something, but luckily these shoes came with a stability wedge that I could remove, and that made enough of a difference. The shoes are still a little snug, but they don’t bother without the wedge in place.

Check out the Provision 1.5s, or the Provisioness 1.5s for the ladies, and don’t be afraid to take the leap and give them a shot. I’m glad I tried the Provisions, because I think I might have found my new favorite model!

Overall Impression

Like I said, both the Provision 1.5s and the Instinct 2.0s are great shoes. While I absolutely prefer the Provisions to the Intincts, I’m actually debating which shoe to wear for the marathon I’m running next weekend.

I’ve done most of my long runs with the Instincts, so logic would say that is the shoe I should wear. But I just love the feel of the Provisions more, and I’m leaning towards wearing them. Odds are, both shoes will make the trip to Virginia with me, and my decision will be made on race day!

If you’re at all interested in trying any of the Altra Zero Drop shoes, but you’ve got a few questions, please reach out to me! If I can’t answer your question, I’m connected to dozens of Altramaniacs, and I’d be happy to ask them on your behalf and share their experience with you.

All I know is that I love these shoes, and I’m so glad I took the chance on them back in 2012. As long as their are Altras available, I know I’ll never wear another shoe again!

Have You Tried Zero Drop Shoes? What Are Your Thoughts?

FTC Disclosure–As an Official Altra Ambassador, I was given two pairs of shoes to wear and review. I was able to choose the shoes that I wanted, and the opinions expressed about each model are entirely my own, and have not been influenced in any way by Altra, its associates, or any one related to the company.

Going Forward

Hey guys.

It’s been a little while. I hope this post finds y’all doing well, and that your 2014 running goals are progressing nicely.

Speaking of which, I need a reboot. Not only am I failing miserably on my 2014 running goals, but my plans for being more active on this website aren’t doing so well either. Remember my post from the beginning of the year? Here are a few of the highlights:

Run 1500 Miles

More Blog Giveaways

More Guest Posts on the Blog

More Foam Rolling/Yoga/Icing

 

About those. I’m 0-4 thus far.

And I’m not even near 1500 mile pace.

No Sense Looking Back

I may not be where I want to be in terms of this blog and growing my site. But looking back and getting upset about it won’t help me to get where I want to be.

So it’s time to look forward. And here are some things I’m seeing.

  • Regular Posts–I miss writing about running and interacting with you guys. So I’m going to commit to posting every Wednesday on here. I’d love to do more, but with how busy I am with DK FitSoltuions right now, I know I can’t commit to more. So for now, every Wednesday I’ll be posting something running related.
  • New Site Layout–I’m thinking about adding some new things here, and I’ll need more control with the layout and the functionality of the website. So sometime this summer, probably June/July, I’ll be switching some things up with the website. I’ll keep you posted as I get closer to an actual switch.
  • Podcasts–Something I’ve been doing lately at DK FitSolutions is podcasting, and I’m loving it! My show, Better Health 101, airs twice a week and I get a chance to encourage folks to take control of their health. Well, I’m having so much fun podcasting that I want to bring on to this site as well. I’m still working the details out in my head, and it will likely be a completely different format from what I’m doing now, but I’m leaning toward a July 1 launch for a running show. I’m thinking about calling it “Diz Runs With…” and interviewing different celebrity/professional runners. Think you might want to listen to something like that?
  • 2014 Mileage–I’m still shooting for 1500 miles, but I’m not going to be stupid about it. After I finish the Blue Ridge Marathon in a few weeks, I won’t have any big races on my calendar. So I’ll try and pick up some miles in May and June, but with a baby due in July, 1500 might be unattainable. I’ll keep you posted.

Well, this is my story and I’m sticking to it.

2014 has (so far) been a really good year, I just haven’t gotten as much done on here as I’d have liked. But I’m going to get back in the saddle, and you’ll be hearing from me again next week.

Good to be back, y’all.

Who Would You Like for Me to Interview on My Podcast?

I’d Love to Hear Some Suggestions!